Adelaide coach Neil Craig says he's entered the darkest days of his tenure after watching his win-less Crows capitulate to Carlton at AAMI Stadium.

Carlton's convincing 48-point triumph on enemy turf on Saturday breathed life into the Blues' season and knocked the stuffing out of the Crows.

Adelaide had more scoring shots but never seriously challenged an efficient Carlton, who prevailed 16.7 (103) to 6.19 (55).

Craig and his players were savaged by some home fans on the way to their dressing room after the meek effort which left Adelaide, with perennial battler Richmond, as the only clubs without a victory this season.

"It's our responsibility to create and produce a product that our supporter group, our members, are happy with - and quite clearly at the moment, it's not," Craig said.

"It's probably the most difficult time we will go through as a playing group and a coaching group, absolutely."

Craig said his players "butchered the ball" throughout the encounter with Carlton, who squared their season's win-loss register at two-all with the comprehensive victory.

The Blues unleashed a barnstorming start to the match, three goals in the initial six minutes setting the tone.

With playmakers Chris Judd and Marc Murphy running rampant through the midfield, Carlton kicked nine of the game's initial 11 goals to lay the foundation of victory.

Murphy gathered 32 possessions and 15 marks for the match while Judd, returning from suspension for his first match of the year, was exceptional with 30 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

"He really helped the team and got us going," Carlton coach Brett Ratten said of Judd.

"We knew he would come back and have an influence on the team and play that way, lead the team from the front.

"He did an enormous job for us."

Carlton's livewire forwards Chris Yarran and Jeff Gartlett each snared three goals, as did Ryan Houlihan, to be the main beneficiaries of their onball ascendancy.

And when the Crows managed to attack, they were frequently repelled by the likes of Andrew Walker, who gathered 36 touches and took 12 marks, and defensive sweeper Bryce Gibbs (24 disposals).

The Blues had effectively killed the contest by halftime, when they led by 37 points over the shellshocked Crows, whose woeful goal kicking mirrored general skills which Craig described as "plain sloppiness".

Veteran Andrew McLeod (26 disposals) and midfielder Bernie Vince (31 possessions) battled gamely in a lost cause as the Crows equalled their worst ever start to a season.

Coach Craig refused to blame the joyless start on a large injury list and limited preparation of some of his players.

"I'd like to get away from the injuries and the interrupted pre-season because that is a bit of a crutch to use for us and we are certainly not looking for that," he said.

Craig's stated pre-season aim of a top four finish is in tatters but he refused to believe playing finals was impossible from the current position.

"Rest assured, there will be no giving up on that ambition," Craig said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP